There’s something irresistibly comforting about bite-sized treats coated in cinnamon sugar—the kind that instantly transport you to cozy Sunday mornings or festive gatherings. When I first made these Cinnamon Sugar Doughnut Holes, I was amazed at how such a simple handful of dough could turn into warm, golden orbs bursting with sweet nostalgia. Whether you’re craving a delightful snack or want to impress guests with minimal effort, this recipe delivers a perfect balance of fluffy texture and that classic sugary crunch. Trust me, once you start popping these little delights, it’s hard to stop—each bite is like a tiny celebration of homemade goodness.
Why choose Cinnamon Sugar Doughnut Holes?
Irresistible simplicity: With minimal ingredients and easy steps, anyone can master this treat. Fluffy, melt-in-your-mouth texture: Each bite feels light yet satisfyingly soft. Sweet cinnamon crunch: The perfect balance of sugar and spice coats every golden nugget. Quick to make: Ready in under 30 minutes, ideal for busy days or unexpected guests. Versatile snack: Perfect for breakfast, dessert, or an anytime indulgence that brings cozy comfort to your kitchen.
Cinnamon Sugar Doughnut Holes Ingredients
For the Dough
- All-purpose flour – Use fresh flour for the lightest, fluffiest doughnut holes.
- Granulated sugar – Adds a touch of sweetness to the dough itself.
- Baking powder – Essential for that airy, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Salt – Balances the sweetness and enhances flavor.
- Milk – Warm milk helps activate the baking powder for perfect rise.
- Egg – Binds the ingredients and adds richness to the dough.
- Unsalted butter – Melted butter keeps the dough tender and moist.
- Vanilla extract – Adds warm depth and aroma to the dough.
For the Coating
- Granulated sugar – Provides the sweet crunch that contrasts the soft dough.
- Ground cinnamon – The star spice that gives these doughnut holes their signature flavor.
- Optional: Melted butter – Tossing doughnut holes in melted butter before coating helps the cinnamon sugar stick better and adds extra richness.
Remember, these simple ingredients combine to create the magic of Cinnamon Sugar Doughnut Holes—your soon-to-be-favorite treat!
How to Make Cinnamon Sugar Doughnut Holes
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt until evenly combined and mixture looks light and airy.
- Whisk Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, beat the egg with warm milk, melted unsalted butter, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and creamy, about 1 minute.
- Combine Dough: Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients. Stir gently with a spatula until a soft, slightly sticky dough forms—avoid overmixing for tender, airy results.
- Heat Oil: In a heavy, deep skillet or Dutch oven, heat oil to 350°F (175°C). Use a candy thermometer to maintain a steady temperature for perfect golden doughnut holes.
- Fry Doughnut Holes: Drop tablespoonfuls of dough carefully into hot oil, working in small batches. Fry each batch for 2–3 minutes, turning occasionally until puffed and golden brown.
- Drain & Cool: Transfer fried doughnut holes to a paper towel–lined tray using a slotted spoon. Let them rest for 1 minute to drain off excess oil.
- Coat in Cinnamon Sugar: Toss warm doughnut holes in melted butter, then roll in cinnamon-sugar mix until fully coated, fragrant, and irresistibly crunchy.
Optional: Serve immediately with a dusting of extra cinnamon sugar.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Storage Tips for Cinnamon Sugar Doughnut Holes
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Room Temperature: Store your cinnamon sugar doughnut holes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days for the best taste and texture.
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Fridge: If you need to keep them longer, you can place the doughnut holes in the fridge for up to a week. Reheat them in the microwave for about 10 seconds to bring back their warmth.
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Freezer: For extended storage, freeze the doughnut holes in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 2 months. Thaw and reheat before serving.
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Reheating: To enjoy them warm, pop the frozen or fridge-stored doughnut holes in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes. This will revive their delightful fluffy texture!
Make Ahead Options
These Cinnamon Sugar Doughnut Holes are perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time without sacrificing flavor! You can prepare the dough up to 24 hours in advance by following the first three steps and then refrigerating it tightly wrapped in plastic wrap. Alternatively, you can fry the doughnut holes ahead of time and store them in an airtight container for up to 3 days. To maintain their deliciously fluffy texture, reheat them briefly in the oven before tossing in the cinnamon sugar just before serving. This way, you’ll enjoy warm, melt-in-your-mouth treats with minimal effort, ready to delight your family at any time!
Cinnamon Sugar Doughnut Holes Variations
Get ready to explore creative twists that elevate these delightful bites into something truly special!
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Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for a tender, gluten-free version.
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Spiced Twist: Add a pinch of nutmeg or allspice to the dough for an added layer of flavor that warms the soul.
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Fruity Flair: Mix in 1/4 cup of finely chopped apples or pears for a juicy surprise that complements the cinnamon perfectly.
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Chocolate Drizzle: Drizzle melted chocolate over cooled doughnut holes for an indulgent, dessert-like experience that chocolate lovers will adore.
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Maple Coating: Swap out the cinnamon sugar for a mix of granulated sugar and pure maple syrup for a sweet twist with a hint of earthiness.
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Zesty Lemon: Incorporate lemon zest into the dough for a bright, citrusy note that cuts through the sweetness beautifully.
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Coconut Crunch: Roll the doughnut holes in toasted coconut flakes after frying for a tropical twist and added texture.
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Heat It Up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili powder to the cinnamon sugar for a spicy kick that balances the sweetness perfectly.
These variations give you the freedom to customize your Cinnamon Sugar Doughnut Holes, allowing you to create your family’s new favorite treat!
What to Serve with Cinnamon Sugar Doughnut Holes?
Enjoying these delightful treats opens up a world of pairing possibilities that will elevate your snacking experience.
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Fresh Fruit Salad: A mix of vibrant seasonal fruits adds a refreshing, juicy contrast to the sweet doughnut holes, making for a balanced indulgence.
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Rich Coffee: The deep, robust flavor of a freshly brewed coffee complements the sugary sweetness, creating an irresistible morning ritual.
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Creamy Yogurt: A dollop of Greek yogurt drizzled with honey provides a tangy richness that beautifully offsets the cinnamon-sugar coating.
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Homemade Hot Chocolate: Warm, velvety hot chocolate pairs perfectly with these doughnut holes, offering a cozy escape on chilly days.
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Chai Tea: The spicy notes of chai tea harmonize with the cinnamon, making every bite of doughnut hole feel like a warm hug.
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Vanilla Ice Cream: Serving these doughnut holes with a scoop of vanilla ice cream creates a decadent dessert that’s hard to resist; the contrast of warm and cold is pure bliss.
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Maple Glaze: Drizzling a melt-in-your-mouth maple glaze over the warm doughnut holes adds a delightful twist that enhances their sweetness.
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Sweet Tea: A pitcher of lightly sweetened iced tea balances the richness, offering a refreshing sip after enjoying your treats.
With these delightful pairings, your Cinnamon Sugar Doughnut Holes will shine at any gathering or quiet afternoon at home!
Tips for the Best Cinnamon Sugar Doughnut Holes
- Use fresh ingredients: Fresh flour and baking powder ensure your doughnut holes rise properly and stay light and fluffy.
- Maintain oil temperature: Keep frying oil steady at 350°F to avoid greasy or undercooked centers in your cinnamon sugar doughnut holes.
- Avoid overmixing dough: Stir just until combined; overmixing develops gluten, making doughnuts dense instead of melt-in-your-mouth tender.
- Work in small batches: Frying too many at once drops oil temperature, causing uneven cooking and greasy doughnut holes.
- Coat while warm: Toss doughnut holes in butter and cinnamon sugar immediately after frying for the best sticky, sweet coating.
- Drain properly: Use paper towels to absorb excess oil so your doughnut holes stay delightfully crisp instead of oily.
Cinnamon Sugar Doughnut Holes Recipe FAQs
How do I know if my ingredients, like flour and cinnamon, are fresh enough for the best results?
Fresh flour has a light, neutral scent—if it smells musty or off, it’s best to replace it. Ground cinnamon should be fragrant and vibrant; if it’s lost its aroma or looks dull, swap it out to maintain that signature warm flavor.
What’s the best way to store cinnamon sugar doughnut holes to keep them fresh and tasty?
Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. This keeps their sweet crust crisp and the inside soft. Avoid humidity or direct sunlight, which can cause sogginess. If you need to store longer, refrigeration is fine for up to a week but may toughen the texture slightly.
Can I freeze cinnamon sugar doughnut holes, and how do I thaw them properly?
Absolutely! Freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer to a sealed freezer bag for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw at room temperature briefly, then warm them in an oven preheated to 350°F for 5–7 minutes to refresh their fluffy texture and crisp cinnamon sugar coating.
Why do some doughnut holes come out greasy or dense, and how can I fix that?
Greasy doughnut holes usually mean the oil was too cool, causing excess oil absorption. Keep the oil steady at 350°F with a thermometer. Dense dough may be from overmixing the dough, which develops gluten. Mix just until combined for tender, melt-in-your-mouth bites.
Are cinnamon sugar doughnut holes safe for pets or people with allergies?
These doughnut holes contain common allergens like wheat, dairy, and eggs, so they’re not safe for pets or anyone with those allergies. Also, while cinnamon is fine for humans in moderation, it can be harmful to pets. Always keep these treats away from furry friends!
Easy Cinnamon Sugar Doughnut Holes That Melt in Your Mouth
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a large bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt until evenly combined and mixture looks light and airy.
- In a separate bowl, beat the egg with warm milk, melted unsalted butter, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and creamy, about 1 minute.
- Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients. Stir gently with a spatula until a soft, slightly sticky dough forms—avoid overmixing for tender, airy results.
- In a heavy, deep skillet or Dutch oven, heat oil to 350°F (175°C). Use a candy thermometer to maintain a steady temperature for perfect golden doughnut holes.
- Drop tablespoonfuls of dough carefully into hot oil, working in small batches. Fry each batch for 2–3 minutes, turning occasionally until puffed and golden brown.
- Transfer fried doughnut holes to a paper towel–lined tray using a slotted spoon. Let them rest for 1 minute to drain off excess oil.
- Toss warm doughnut holes in melted butter, then roll in cinnamon-sugar mix until fully coated, fragrant, and irresistibly crunchy.
